The National Weather Service is again calling for an excessively hot day today, with temperatures for the Pottstown area expected to reach 96 but feel like 108 thanks to the high humidity. There is a 40 percent chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms this afternoon with more rain expected tonight.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the area through 8 p.m. tonight. Montgomery and Chester counties have issued Code Red hot weather advisories each day of this week through Saturday from noon until 8 p.m., the hottest parts of the day. Area residents who are without air conditioning should seek shelter in a cool place and pets and children should not be left in hot cars, the weather service and counties advised.

“A cold front from the Northwest is expected to arrive on Saturday night and it should bring an end to the heat wave,” the weather service wrote in its latest advisory.

Temperatures on Saturday could feel close to 100 degrees again until the cold front moves in. The cold front is forecast to bring damaging winds and downpours and possibly hail, according to the weather service.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued an orange air quality alert today for high levels of ozone in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. “On air quality action days, young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities,” the advisory from the DEP reads. An orange alert means unhealthy air pollution levels for sensitive people.

“Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, forms during warm weather when pollution from vehicles, industry, households and power plants ‘bakes’ in the hot sun, making it hard for some people to breathe,” the DEP advisory reads.

Area residents are encouraged to reduce their pollution creating activities including limiting power usage, and planning errands in one trip, or taking public transportation.

Keep abreast of hot weather happenings in the live blog below. Add your own photos, videos and hot weather advice, thoughts or tips by using the hashtag “pawx” on Twitter, Tout or Instagram.

About the Author

Eileen Faust is a 13-year veteran of journalism and the leader of The Mercury's digital transformation. She supervises publishing to website, mobile, social media and new platforms. Reach the author at efaust@pottsmerc.com
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